It looks like makeup is promoting sexism in its industry. I know, you're stunned!
The Balm cosmetics company released two eyeshadow palettes, one for men and the other for women, and an Instagram user caught the sexist undertones. For the female version, the company dubbed the palette The Nude ‘tude and featured 12 eyeshadows strategically placed over six naked women. The Nude Dude palette covers up six naked men.
So, what's wrong with that? Naked + Naked = Equality? Well . . . the shade names on the ladies' palette are negative, but their male counterparts are (not surprisingly) positive.
Men's shades were given names like Flirty, Funny, Fine, Firm, Friendly, Fierce, Fit, Feisty, Faithful, Flawless, Fabulous, and Fearless. Here, we've got a combination of desirable traits — from Fabulous to Fearless, being a dude wearing those shades must feel pretty groovy. The fact that this line carries eyeshadow for men with flattering names, however, is something to celebrate. Good. Woohoo!
Now, let's see how the other side was treated. For the women? There's Sassy, Snobby, Stubborn, Selfish, Sultry, Sophisticated, Seductive, Sexy, Silly, Serious, Sleek, and Standoffish. Going for alliteration? I’m surprised the company didn’t use the word "Slutty" since they went the offensive route. (I jest, I jest . . . kind of.) Although, it had the word "Schizo" but was removed for its offensive meaning.
"I thought the descriptive words for the men versus the descriptive words for the women were slightly . . . rude?" Instagram user Emilayhoolmes wrote on July 12. "Can we replace 'Stubborn' and 'Standoffish' with 'Smart' or ‘Strong'? " Most of the traits listed are not desirable, such as Snobby and Stubborn. Ouch! Some are flattering, like Sophisticated, but primarily pertain to one's appearance. Come on!
It’s 2015 and we’re still seeing offensive products like these? Will “Too Pretty To Do Homework” come back in style? (Please don’t bring that back.)
